Auto Thefts Are Down in the US — Could This Be the New Normal?

For the first time in over 40 years, vehicle thefts in the U.S. have taken a significant downturn. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), stolen vehicle reports fell by nearly 17% in 2024. Last year, more than a million cars were stolen nationwide, but that number dropped to 850,708 in 2024. This sharp decline is a major shift, especially after years of rising theft rates. While vehicle security is still a concern, this progress shows that preventative efforts are starting to pay off.

In a press release, David J. Glawe, President and CEO of NICB, shared that, “The overall decrease in stolen vehicles nationwide is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between law enforcement, multi-jurisdictional auto theft task forces, governing bodies, vehicle manufacturers, and NICB. Collectively, these groups used data and intelligence to develop actionable strategies to help local authorities investigate and prosecute offenders and to prevent vehicle theft from occurring in the first place.”

States Leading the Decline

Some states made particularly strong gains in reducing car thefts. Washington saw the most significant improvement, with a 32% decrease, followed closely by Nevada at 31% and Oregon at 30%. Nebraska and Colorado also reported impressive declines of 29% and 26%, respectively.

These reductions didn’t happen by chance: many states have ramped up law enforcement initiatives, and automakers have introduced stronger anti-theft measures to protect drivers.

How Hyundai and Kia Played a Role

One of the biggest factors in this decline has been the response to the surge in Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts. In previous years, these brands became prime targets because certain models lacked engine immobilizers, making them easier to steal. After a wave of thefts and lawsuits, Hyundai and Kia took action, offering free software updates, ignition cylinder protectors, and reimbursement programs for additional security measures.

The results were striking—vehicle thefts involving Hyundai and Kia models dropped by 37.5% in 2024, proving that these security measures had a real impact.

Why Car Theft Is Still a Concern

Even with this good news, vehicle theft remains a costly issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that car theft costs Americans more than $8 billion annually. That’s why it’s still important to take precautions. Simple steps like always locking your car, keeping valuables out of sight, and parking in well-lit areas can make a big difference.

While technology is improving, personal awareness and preventive habits remain key to keeping vehicles safe.

What’s Next for Auto Theft Prevention?

The decline in vehicle thefts is a positive sign, but it doesn’t mean the problem is solved. Continued advancements in anti-theft technology, law enforcement efforts, and public awareness campaigns will be necessary to maintain this progress.

For now, though, 2024 has shown that smart security measures and collective action can make a real difference in protecting vehicles and reducing crime.